13 Best U.S. Destinations for Holiday Lights Displays
Holiday lights bring magic to the season, transforming streets and homes into dazzling winter wonderlands. Whether you enjoy elaborate light shows or cozy neighborhood displays, the U.S. offers plenty of spots to explore. Some cities go above and beyond to create breathtaking visual experiences. In every corner of the country, you can find places that truly embrace the holiday spirit. Ready to see some unforgettable light displays this season? Keep reading for some of the best locations to visit.
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New York City, New York
New York City’s holiday lights are a world-famous spectacle. Iconic locations like Rockefeller Center and Dyker Heights are famous for their large-scale displays. The sparkling tree at Rockefeller Center draws crowds every year, with surrounding buildings covered in festive lights. Visitors can also enjoy the elaborate house decorations in Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood, known for its over-the-top holiday spirit.
For those who want to experience a bit of everything, NYC offers everything from light shows at the Bronx Zoo to incredible window displays along Fifth Avenue. No matter where you go, the energy and charm of the city during the holidays will certainly put you in the festive spirit. The sheer variety of displays makes this one of the top destinations for holiday lights.
Leavenworth, Washington
Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth transforms into a holiday wonderland every December. The town, which already has a Bavarian theme, is beautifully adorned with more than half a million lights. Every year, the village’s Christmas Lighting Festival kicks off the season, and the lights stay up for several weeks, making it an ideal destination for holiday travelers. The charm of the town, combined with the snow-capped peaks, creates a magical backdrop.
Visitors can stroll through the town’s cozy streets, surrounded by shops and restaurants, all decorated with bright lights and festive cheer. For those who love winter activities, the surrounding area offers opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing. Leavenworth truly provides a unique experience for those looking to enjoy both holiday lights and winter adventure.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is known for its country music, but during the holidays, it also becomes a destination for impressive light displays. The most famous display is the “Winter Wonderland” at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, where millions of lights adorn the hotel’s indoor gardens. The resort also offers an ice skating rink and other festive activities, making it a perfect place for families.
In addition to the Opryland display, visitors can find beautiful light displays throughout the city, including the popular Holiday Lights at Cheekwood Estates and Gardens. The city’s combination of music, southern charm, and festive lighting provides a warm and inviting holiday atmosphere. Nashville’s displays give visitors both a sense of local tradition and modern holiday spirit.
McAdenville, North Carolina
Known as “Christmas Town, USA,” McAdenville lives up to its name with one of the most incredible holiday light displays in the country. Every year, the small town goes all out with more than 400,000 lights illuminating the streets, homes, and trees. The tradition dates back to the 1950s and has grown into a must-see event for visitors from all over the country. The town’s central area is a picturesque sight, with lights reflecting off the water and adding to the festive charm.
McAdenville also hosts a Christmas parade and other local activities that bring the community together. Visitors can drive or walk through the town to enjoy the festive atmosphere, and many find the combination of simple elegance and light displays quite enchanting. For those who prefer a smaller, charming town experience, McAdenville is a great choice.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S., and its holiday lights reflect its historic charm. The Nights of Lights display, which illuminates the city from November to January, is one of the largest holiday light events in the country. Over three million lights are used to decorate the city’s historic homes, cobblestone streets, and even the Castillo de San Marcos.
Visitors can take a guided trolley tour through the city to see the lights, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk along the bayfront. The historic backdrop of the city, combined with the beautiful holiday decorations, creates a magical atmosphere. St. Augustine’s lights offer a perfect combination of history, culture, and holiday cheer.
Austin, Texas
Austin’s Zilker Park is home to the annual Trail of Lights, a beautiful walk-through display that features over two million lights. It’s one of the most popular holiday events in the city, drawing visitors from across Texas. The display includes themed light sections, interactive exhibits, and plenty of opportunities for photos.
In addition to Zilker Park, Austin has several other smaller light displays throughout the city. Visitors can also enjoy the city’s live music scene and food trucks, making it a great destination for those looking for a unique holiday experience. The combination of lights, local culture, and warm weather makes Austin a standout holiday destination.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is transformed into a holiday wonderland with lights that adorn the city’s famous shopping district. The lights are part of the city’s annual “Magnificent Mile Lights Festival,” where thousands of lights are switched on in a festive ceremony. The lights stretch from Oak Street to the Riverwalk, with beautiful displays on trees, buildings, and sculptures.
Beyond the Magnificent Mile, Chicago offers other light displays like the Lincoln Park ZooLights and the Christmas Around the World exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. Whether walking along the Riverwalk or enjoying one of the zoo’s animated displays, Chicago offers a holiday light experience that combines the excitement of a big city with festive cheer.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas may be known for its vibrant nightlife, but during the holidays, it becomes a dazzling spectacle of holiday lights. The Las Vegas Strip is lit up with decorations, and many of the casinos feature their own impressive displays. A drive down the Strip offers a truly unforgettable experience with lights that rival the city’s iconic neon signs.
For a more immersive experience, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosts the Glittering Lights display, where visitors can drive through a two-mile course filled with millions of lights. Whether you want to stroll the Strip or enjoy a drive-thru experience, Las Vegas provides a one-of-a-kind holiday lights display. The city’s energy and extravagance offer a festive twist on holiday traditions.
Portland, Oregon
Portland’s holiday lights displays are known for their artistic and eco-friendly approach. The Portland International Raceway hosts the annual Winter Wonderland, where visitors can drive through a light show featuring hundreds of displays. Additionally, the Christmas Festival at the Oregon Zoo offers a chance to see animals surrounded by holiday lights.
The city’s public parks also offer charming light displays, including the popular “ZooLights” at the Oregon Zoo. Portland’s combination of eco-consciousness and festive spirit creates a unique holiday atmosphere. It is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a fun, family-friendly experience while supporting sustainability.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s holiday lights displays bring a charming sense of tradition to the city. The Macy’s Christmas Light Show at the historic Wanamaker Building is a favorite for families. The show, accompanied by festive music, attracts large crowds each year, making it a must-see.
For a more outdoor experience, visitors can explore the festive decorations along the historic streets of Old City, where iconic buildings are illuminated with colorful lights. Philadelphia’s combination of holiday lights, history, and culture makes it an excellent destination for a cozy, festive getaway.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco’s Union Square is one of the best places to experience holiday lights. The square is beautifully decorated with a large Christmas tree and twinkling lights. The surrounding stores and buildings are also lit up, adding to the city’s holiday charm. The Ice Rink at Union Square is another popular attraction that completes the festive atmosphere.
In addition to Union Square, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park hosts the “Holiday Lights at the Conservatory of Flowers” display, where visitors can walk through an indoor garden filled with sparkling lights. The city’s combination of iconic landmarks and holiday cheer offers a unique and inviting experience.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is home to some of the most beautiful and historic holiday light displays. The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the White House is a highlight of the season. In addition to the National Tree, the surrounding area features a display of smaller trees decorated by states and territories.
For a more peaceful experience, the “ZooLights” display at the National Zoo offers a chance to see the animals’ habitats illuminated with twinkling lights. Washington, D.C.’s blend of tradition, history, and festive lights makes it a wonderful destination for holiday travelers.
Dallas, Texas
Dallas is home to one of the most impressive holiday light displays in the South. The “Dallas Holiday Lights” event at the Dallas Arboretum is a favorite, featuring more than a million lights displayed across the gardens. Visitors can stroll through the grounds and enjoy live music, food, and activities for all ages.
In addition to the arboretum, visitors can explore the annual “Prairie Lights” event at Lynn Creek Park, where the displays include light tunnels and themed sections. Dallas offers a combination of big-city lights and family-friendly holiday fun, making it a great choice for all types of travelers.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.